Malacañang on Friday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held his first official phone conversation with newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on 15 August, reaffirming the strong and enduring Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

During the phone call, Marcos extended his warm congratulations to President Lee, who took office on 4 June 2025, and expressed full support for his administration.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in key areas such as trade and investment, defense and security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Marcos also expressed the Philippines’ gratitude for South Korea’s longstanding support in the country’s development efforts and advocacy initiatives. He highlighted the need for continued international backing of the Philippines’ maritime interests and the promotion of regional peace and stability, in accordance with international law.

Looking ahead, Marcos said he is eager to meet President Lee at upcoming high-level events, including the 2025 APEC Summit, which South Korea will host later this year. 

President Lee, for his part, expressed support for stronger ASEAN–ROK cooperation, especially as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

This latest engagement builds on the 76 years of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries, which were established on March 3, 1949. 

Relations were elevated through a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership on October 7, 2024, marking a mutual commitment to enhance collaboration across political, security, economic, and socio-cultural sectors.

Economic ties between the two nations remain robust. 

In 2024, South Korea ranked as the Philippines’ fourth-largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 13.2 billion. 

Philippine exports to South Korea amounted to USD 3.6 billion, while imports stood at USD 9.6 billion.

South Korea also led the list of foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, accounting for 26.37 percent of total visitors.